Evgeni Malkin’s legendary run with the Pittsburgh Penguins is coming to an end. The team isn’t planning to offer their star center a new contract after the 2025-26 season, according to The Athletic.
It’s a huge shift for the Penguins and Malkin, who’s spent his entire 20-year NHL career in Pittsburgh.
The Russian superstar turns 39 this July and has always been clear about one thing: he only wants to play for the Penguins. If that holds true, next season could be his last in the NHL.
Malkin’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s helped bring three Stanley Cups to Pittsburgh, won the league MVP award in 2012, and led the NHL in scoring twice. His numbers tell the story – 514 goals, 832 assists, and 1,346 total points.
Only his longtime teammate Sidney Crosby has played more games for the Penguins than Malkin’s 1,213.
But time catches up with everyone. This season, Malkin’s production dropped to just 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games – a big decline from his back-to-back 27-goal seasons in the previous two years.
There were bright spots, though. He cut down on turnovers and played smarter hockey. And some of his struggles weren’t entirely his fault – Pittsburgh’s second line hasn’t given him much help.
The timing makes sense for the Penguins. They’ve missed the playoffs three straight years and haven’t won a series since 2018. They just fired longtime coach Mike Sullivan and seem ready for a youth movement.
Things could change if Malkin has a great 2025-26 season. Tommy Novak, his preferred linemate who got hurt right after joining the team, will be back too.
But right now, it looks like we’re watching the final chapter of one of hockey’s greatest careers. Malkin’s place in Penguins history is already secure – right up there with legends Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr.
